TWinton Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 I wanted to share a review for the Sig X Five so you the rest of the story when you purchase weapons. I purchased this gun a year ago for USPSA and 3 Gun and love the gun, except the rear sights! As I understand it the sights were designed by SIG with input from a shooting pro, according to SIG. The sights are manufactured by Dawson Precision, truly a great company for sights. It is not my intention that Dawson is at fault with these sights, they are not. Dawson design according to what SIG contracted for, simple as that. The problem is SIG designed the X Five to use only this rear sight, NO EXCEPTION! If you do not like this site, you’re stuck with it or a Romeo 1 or other RMR's for another $300 plus dollar. Tell me another weapon platform that the shooter cannot configure the sights that works for them, I know of none! All other manufactures knows the American shooter is conditioned to configure the weapon to their needs. The competition market in America is no different, thus why other manufactures design so the “SHOOTER” can configure the sights for their needs! To my knowledge, no other gun marketed as a competition gun is designed with only one sight option. Apparently SIG thinks they know better than you as to your needs. Suck it up butter cup and like what they make for you. If you are considering the SIG X Five take into account you cannot replace the rear sight with another blade. Take care how you spend that hard earned cash. The Walther PPQ Q5 math is slightly less and as good a gun, the new steel frame would be great but $1600 so not comparable in price. Glock 34, a great competition gun that my wife and many friends I shoot with use, yep you can modify those sights. The point is other manufactures know that shooters want to customize the sights according their personal needs. We do not want to be told what site to use and accept it no exception. This is America and we can voice opinions and say NO! Oh, in case you’re thinking I only called once or twice regarding this issue, nope 5 Times, 5! Each time I hear, sorry it does not work but that’s all we will do. Although I have a possible solution that they are not willing to consider. Shooters ensure as you make ready and fire, you’re using the equipment you want not what you are told to use. Please share this with all your friends and on forums, let SIG know that we have a voice and NO is an acceptable answer too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hitman_usmc Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 Just sell it and get something else. Seems pretty simple. What's the problem with the rear sight anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWinton Posted January 15, 2019 Author Share Posted January 15, 2019 Hitman_usmc makes good points about selling it, however, I'm working a tight budget for now. The point I am trying to make is SIG determined what sight everyone should use, what happened to choice? I five conversation not once did anyone remotely consider maybe there was a better way to approach this. The sight chosen is a very narrow competition sight, however, due to vision issues (had two surgeries in two months to correct) I can not pick up the front sight through the rear sight. Had I known I could not replaced the rear sight as I can in all other platforms, I would not have purchased the gun. SIG should have educated buyers of this issue ahead of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George16 Posted January 15, 2019 Share Posted January 15, 2019 Seems like you should have educated yourself first before buying the gun. Like it was said in the other X5 thread you posted also, take it to a gunsmith and have the rear sight filed wider to suit your needs. Problem solved! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWinton Posted January 15, 2019 Author Share Posted January 15, 2019 (edited) George 16, not as easy as stated. Dawson Precision will not do it because they fear it will weaken the site integrity. As far as educating myself to changing out the sights it was asked, can I swap out site, yep you can was the answer. However, I was not specific to the rear blade being swapped. Beside, tell me another manufacture that you can not configure the gun the way you want it. I know of no other manufacture that does not allow you to modify their sights to your needs. I point this out to let others know the basic understanding that we have as gun owners does not apply to the 320 and I want other to understand the differences. You are forced to settle with SIGs opinion on what you need as the customer instead of you determining what you want. Buyers be ware and know for sure this weapons preforms what you need, you can not change it! Edited January 15, 2019 by TWinton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrydoc Posted January 15, 2019 Share Posted January 15, 2019 Buyers remorse is not the manufacturers fault. ALWAYS handle or try before you buy. Everything you have included in your post is to do with your issues not Sig, ie your eyes, you didn't ask about the type of sight that can be changed, I'm guessing they were talking about a red dot change not swapping irons. As George said if your biggest complaint is the width of the rear sight channel get a smith to widen it for you, if that wont fix your issue sell it and buy something else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcc7x7 Posted January 15, 2019 Share Posted January 15, 2019 Widened mine , beveled the edges and all is well with the world. Sorry: but figure it out, go and shoot and get over it! So you start enjoying your new gun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mich3210 Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 2 hours ago, jcc7x7 said: Widened mine , beveled the edges and all is well with the world. Sorry: but figure it out, go and shoot and get over it! So you start enjoying your new gun! Did you do all the work yourself? Do you have a write up? I'm sure the information may help others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWinton Posted January 16, 2019 Author Share Posted January 16, 2019 TerryDoc, did you read my response that Dawson Precision will not widen the sights? Still looking for a local gun smith that may do it but so far SIG and Dawson will not widen the sites. No,not buyers remorse I love the weapon except the sights, however, I felt I did enough research to knew what the possibilities were. I want to let unexpected buyers know that this platform does not meet the unspoken industry standards that lets me customize my gun to my needs. Interesting point, call any gun manufacture with a competition gun and you can fit that weapon to your needs. You are not forced to accept the manufactures one standard for all shooters. That does not even make sense. JCC7x7, I would love to know what you did, can you share those steps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcc7x7 Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 3 hours ago, jcc7x7 said: Widened mine , beveled the edges and all is well with the world. Sorry: but figure it out, go and shoot and get over it! So you start enjoying your new gun! 1 hour ago, mich3210 said: Did you do all the work yourself? Do you have a write up? I'm sure the information may help others. Yes, did it myself. Not very difficult, small fine file open sides up evenly. I like the rear notch .020-025, wider than the front in actual measurement. So rear notch .130 -.135 wide and frt sight I use .110 Dawsons. I know in theory this is different optically but is a simple reference for me and has worked for 15 plus years for my eyes etc. Best to use files with a "safe" edge, i.e. no cutting surface" where the file is going to be on the bottom of the sight notch. For beveling the edges all you need is a sharp "hand smooth" file and bevel it to your liking "evenly" on both sides. Fine sand paper to finish the beveling. Then properly applied cold bluing, yes it will have to be redone as needed to keep it "black/blue" where you filed. You can also take the sight apart (I don't suggest it) and have it blued Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcc7x7 Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 3 minutes ago, TWinton said: JCC7x7, I would love to know what you did, can you share those steps? See above Also any one with a mill and small enough cutters can open the sight blade up and bevel the edges. Shops I've worked in did sight work regularly. But a file works great and is much more cost effective! ( in short "CHEAPER" LOL) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadyscott999 Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 On 1/14/2019 at 6:21 PM, TWinton said: I wanted to share a review for the Sig X Five so you the rest of the story when you purchase weapons. I purchased this gun a year ago for USPSA and 3 Gun and love the gun, except the rear sights! As I understand it the sights were designed by SIG with input from a shooting pro, according to SIG. The sights are manufactured by Dawson Precision, truly a great company for sights. It is not my intention that Dawson is at fault with these sights, they are not. Dawson design according to what SIG contracted for, simple as that. The problem is SIG designed the X Five to use only this rear sight, NO EXCEPTION! If you do not like this site, you’re stuck with it or a Romeo 1 or other RMR's for another $300 plus dollar. Tell me another weapon platform that the shooter cannot configure the sights that works for them, I know of none! All other manufactures knows the American shooter is conditioned to configure the weapon to their needs. The competition market in America is no different, thus why other manufactures design so the “SHOOTER” can configure the sights for their needs! To my knowledge, no other gun marketed as a competition gun is designed with only one sight option. Apparently SIG thinks they know better than you as to your needs. Suck it up butter cup and like what they make for you. If you are considering the SIG X Five take into account you cannot replace the rear sight with another blade. Take care how you spend that hard earned cash. The Walther PPQ Q5 math is slightly less and as good a gun, the new steel frame would be great but $1600 so not comparable in price. Glock 34, a great competition gun that my wife and many friends I shoot with use, yep you can modify those sights. The point is other manufactures know that shooters want to customize the sights according their personal needs. We do not want to be told what site to use and accept it no exception. This is America and we can voice opinions and say NO! Oh, in case you’re thinking I only called once or twice regarding this issue, nope 5 Times, 5! Each time I hear, sorry it does not work but that’s all we will do. Although I have a possible solution that they are not willing to consider. Shooters ensure as you make ready and fire, you’re using the equipment you want not what you are told to use. Please share this with all your friends and on forums, let SIG know that we have a voice and NO is an acceptable answer too! I went through the same thing when I bought a new truck. I like the interior of the Fords the best but I really wanted a Ferrari V10 installed. I called and spoke with the dealer and he said no. I then called some Eyetalian guy in Eyetalia and he told me no also. I can 't believe they are doing this to me. I mean for god sakes I am buying a custom truck. Maybe I should go buy a file and see if I can file the new motor in there in 10 minutes or so and not make myself look bad on a forum full of shooters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocket99 Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 I went through the same thing when I bought a new truck. I like the interior of the Fords the best but I really wanted a Ferrari V10 installed. I called and spoke with the dealer and he said no. I then called some Eyetalian guy in Eyetalia and he told me no also. I can 't believe they are doing this to me. I mean for god sakes I am buying a custom truck. Maybe I should go buy a file and see if I can file the new motor in there in 10 minutes or so and not make myself look bad on a forum full of shooters. Exactly this!!!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillGarlandJr Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 6 hours ago, TWinton said: George 16, not as easy as stated. Dawson Precision will not do it because they fear it will weaken the site integrity. As far as educating myself to changing out the sights it was asked, can I swap out site, yep you can was the answer. However, I was not specific to the rear blade being swapped. Beside, tell me another manufacture that you can not configure the gun the way you want it. I know of no other manufacture that does not allow you to modify their sights to your needs. I point this out to let others know the basic understanding that we have as gun owners does not apply to the 320 and I want other to understand the differences. You are forced to settle with SIGs opinion on what you need as the customer instead of you determining what you want. Buyers be ware and know for sure this weapons preforms what you need, you can not change it! Springfield Armory XDM 5.25......you said name another pistol you can't configure the rear sight to your liking on.....that's one. Also, SIG's opinion on the rear sight notch width is likely that of one Max Michel Jr. He's pretty good from what I hear. As far as Dawson doing work on the sight, that's not who I would have gone to. Widening the notch on a rear sight is something a local smith could handle easily. You mentioned your love of the pistol other than the rear sight notch width. Finding a smith to make it wider for you seems like such a small hurdle to get over to make a pistol you otherwise love suitable for you. Get on the horn and call some smiths! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S391 Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 (edited) If this is such a problem it seems to me that this might be a great opportunity for a sight company... come up with a replacement rear plate that either accepts other sights or different plates that come with different sights.... Edited January 16, 2019 by S391 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archer Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 Given the fact that this is generally not available, despite the proliferation of X-Fives out there, Occam's Razor tells us that the vast majority of shooters are at least satisfied, if not well-gruntled, with the rear, as issued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washooter Posted January 17, 2019 Share Posted January 17, 2019 (edited) Is this a troll post? If the rear notch is a problem for some shooters, Brownells sells files and stones. Widening a sight doesn’t require brain surgery skills. Maybe I am a simpleton but I don’t understand what the problem is here. The X5 is pretty user friendly and very well set up from the factory compared to things you gotta tweak on a Tanfoglio or something similar. Edited January 17, 2019 by Washooter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWinton Posted January 18, 2019 Author Share Posted January 18, 2019 I was able to speak with one of the SIG Team Pro shooters regarding my site challenges. Although SIG customer service reps stated the sites could not be milled and Dawson Precision was uncomfortable changing sigs design, I have learned it can be done, I reached out to a local gun smith who is willing to do the work when he returns from the shot show! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George16 Posted January 18, 2019 Share Posted January 18, 2019 5 hours ago, TWinton said: I was able to speak with one of the SIG Team Pro shooters regarding my site challenges. Although SIG customer service reps stated the sites could not be milled and Dawson Precision was uncomfortable changing sigs design, I have learned it can be done, I reached out to a local gun smith who is willing to do the work when he returns from the shot show! There you go! You could have done that first instead of posting your whiney ode. Remember, if there’s a will, there’s a way. Hopefully once the gunsmith is done modifying your rear sight, you’ll post back to let us know how much you like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWinton Posted January 18, 2019 Author Share Posted January 18, 2019 George16 maybe my original post was unclear, sorry if that was the case. When Sig Reps told me 5 separate times nothing could be done and the site manufacture stated they where concerned it would comprise the integrity of the site I assumed it could not be accomplished by anyone. That was two reputable sources that has developed a solid reputation. As I thought about what I had been told before the purchase of the gun regard sites being replaceable and what I learned after the purchase, I did not and still do not believe the truth was told. We agree that if there is a will there is a way and this post was intended to let new buyers know the truth based off my experience, my way to educate based from my experience. I too hope that I can report back letting all know it worked,, after talking with the gunsmith he is optimistic. I have updated this thread with the knowledge I learned to ensure it is not a drive buy post and to be upfront and honest. Lesson learned here for me was there is far more that a local gunsmith an do vs what a manufacture will do. Armed with that in the future, I will ask different questions that drill down farther. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWinton Posted January 18, 2019 Author Share Posted January 18, 2019 WASHOOTERR " Is this a troll post? If the rear notch is a problem for some shooters, Brownells sells files and stones. Widening a sight doesn’t require brain surgery skills. Maybe I am a simpleton but I don’t understand what the problem is here. The X5 is pretty user friendly and very well set up from the factory compared to things you gotta tweak on a Tanfoglio or something similar" Nope not at all is this a troll post. It is intended to be an honest assessment based on my experience only. I agree with you this platform from the factory is user friendly from the factory, one of the reasons I purchased the weapon, especially compared to others. I agree, Brownells does sell those products, I actually have some already. However, based off reps telling me 5 times there was nothing to do and the site manufacture concern of comprising the ingetrigy of the sights I felt it was not a good idea for me to do anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddc Posted January 18, 2019 Share Posted January 18, 2019 4 hours ago, TWinton said: WASHOOTERR " Is this a troll post? If the rear notch is a problem for some shooters, Brownells sells files and stones. Widening a sight doesn’t require brain surgery skills. Maybe I am a simpleton but I don’t understand what the problem is here. The X5 is pretty user friendly and very well set up from the factory compared to things you gotta tweak on a Tanfoglio or something similar" Nope not at all is this a troll post. It is intended to be an honest assessment based on my experience only. I agree with you this platform from the factory is user friendly from the factory, one of the reasons I purchased the weapon, especially compared to others. I agree, Brownells does sell those products, I actually have some already. However, based off reps telling me 5 times there was nothing to do and the site manufacture concern of comprising the ingetrigy of the sights I felt it was not a good idea for me to do anything. My experience with Sig customer service is that their first line phone reps are very tightly constrained in what they can do or say. Discussing any possible product design modifications with them would be a waste of time. You'd have to go a lot farther up the ladder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MemphisMechanic Posted January 18, 2019 Share Posted January 18, 2019 (edited) Wow. Come on man. Just file 1/10” off the sight’s sides in 5 mins and be done. Don’t call anybody just do the obvious thing. (I had to mill the LPA rear on the Walther Q5 deeper, and open it .10” or so with files until I was happy. It’s nonreplaceable too.) Edited January 18, 2019 by MemphisMechanic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWinton Posted January 18, 2019 Author Share Posted January 18, 2019 DDC I agree, 3 of my phone calls resulted in a supervisor. When I asked if I could speak to anyone above the supervisor at I was told that not company policy. I understood so I asked if they would forward my thoughts on to the next level, each time I was told no, politely mind you but still no. The last time I was actually told sorry its not worth the company's time consider your thoughts because there were too few with this problem (I'm paraphrasing but that's close). I did hear the name of the Professional shooter for SIG and looked him up on Facebook and reached out to him. He was able to steer me in a direction that hopefully works. If you know how to get to the top of the ladder, I'm willing to climb. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWinton Posted January 19, 2019 Author Share Posted January 19, 2019 Memphis Mechanic I have been considering that seriously and may do it. recovering from an eye surgery so I have to wait a few more weeks. How do you like your Q5, it was the other gun I considered purchasing. the new SF version looks to be a really beast, although I have only seen one in pictures only. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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